DONATE NOW >

The Project team

Our founders

The United Project has been founded by:

Greg Muller and Matine Rahmani
Mr Greg Muller
MBA, BAppSc, MAICD
Mr Matine Rahmani
LLB (Hons), MInfoMgmt, BInfoTech

Over the past 24 years, Greg has established himself as a skilled and highly regarded business leader, innovator, and commercialisation expert in the corporate, technology and government sectors, both domestically and internationally. Greg has been the recipient of multiple business, industry and innovation awards, has founded numerous start-ups, guided and led multiple capital raisings and took a technology company he founded in 2013 to IPO (ASX) three years later. Greg now focuses his efforts now toward ‘for-purpose’ ventures where he can apply his resources, experience and network to major problems, causes and projects that are important to him and have the potential to deliver large scale social improvement and impact.

Greg is also the Executive Chair, Kids Under Cover Social Enterprise (t/as Nestd); Director, WellTech Global Ventures; Venture Partner, XT Ventures; Executive Chair, The GREST Partnership and Non-Executive Chair, Global Reviews.

Through immediate family and friends he is closely connected to mental illness, is based in Melbourne and is the proud father of two girls.

Matine was an international strategy consultant, having worked for over 10 years as a senior executive across Asia, Europe and North America for large technology and management consulting firms. He specialised in developing best in class benefits realisation strategies, implementing this approach for large business transformations primarily in the finance, government and oil & gas sectors.

In 2015 Matine's mental health deteriorated and as a result this career ended. Matine was later diagnosed with treatment resistant chronic major depression.

Matine now dedicates his leadership, people management, business transformation and benefits realisation skills to identify and deliver macro level improvement creating tangible change on big societal challenges, in particular improving mental health and reducing suicide.

Matine is married and the proud father of 3 children and his passion for field hockey extends to roles including Vice President, CNPS; State Hockey Coach, Victoria; Head Women's Coach, North West Lightning.

Board of Directors

The following additional individuals have been appointed to the Board of Directors:

 

Professor Paul Fitzgerald

 

Professor Paul Fitzgerald MBBS, MPM, PhD, FRANZCP
Non-Executive Director

 


Professor Paul Fitzgerald is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Epworth Centre for Innovation in Mental Health at Epworth Healthcare and the Monash University Central Clinical School.

Paul has been conducting research with transcranial magnetic stimulation and other brain stimulation treatments for over 20 years, including over 20 clinical trials in depression, schizophrenia, OCD and other disorders.

He has published over 500 journal articles, been cited over 20,000 times and has held three consecutive NHMRC Practitioner Fellowships and a NHMRC Investigator grant. He has received over $10m in grant funding in the last five years from the NHMRC, ARC and a number of US based organisations. He has established multiple clinical TMS programs, set up Australia’s first TMS training program and is a founder and board member of TMS Clinics Australia and Resonance Therapeutics.

Other roles: Professor of Psychiatry and Director, Epworth Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, Epworth HealthCare & Monash University; Founder & Board Member, TMS Clinics Australia

https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/paul-fitzgerald
https://www.paulbfitzgerald.com/
https://twitter.com/PBFitzgerald  

     

    Susan Murray

     

    Susan Murray OAM GAICD, MSc (Health Promotion)
    Non-Executive Director

     

     

    Susan Murray is a health promotion advocate dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of all people.

    Throughout her career she has focused on health for the community having led several organisations focused on education, cancer control, chronic disease and suicide prevention. She has expertise in organisational development, education, communications and income generation.

    Formerly with Suicide Prevention Australia, Sue now leads the Zero Suicide Institute of Australasia which advocates for local implementation of two programs. First, Zero Suicide Healthcare, supports the healthcare system understand and more effectively manage those who are vulnerable to suicidality. Second, Crisis Care Now, offers an integrated and staged care pathway that is an alternative to hospital emergency departments when requiring mental ill-health crisis care.

    In addition to joining The United Project Board, Sue is a Director of Good2Give and ShareGift Australia, member of Chief Executive Women and the Centre for Social Impact Sydney Advisory Council and the Managing Director of Zero Suicide Institute of Australasia. She is formerly a director of Research Australia and Chair of Macquarie Community College. 

     

    Michelle Ridsdale

     

    Ms Michelle Ridsdale PgDipBusHR
    Non-Executive Director

     

    With over 20 years extensive experience working with leaders and teams, across cultures, countries and industries, Michelle works with Senior Executives and Emerging Leaders to enable a growth mindset and achieve positive outcomes. She believes that creating the right environment enables people to reach their full potential.

    She has deep expertise in building resilient, high performing leaders and she has a passion for enabling people to unlock their potential. Leveraging her career in global Executive roles across a variety of industries she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in establishing positive and psychologically safe workplaces, building purpose driven, high-performing teams, establishing future ways of working and managing change and culture in rapidly growing businesses in order to bring about long-term sustainable change.

    Michelle is passionate about diversity generally, but in particular indigenous education, mental health and wellness and enabling people with Autism to unlock opportunities within organisations. She does this through raising awareness of diversity and mental health issues in workplaces and the community more broadly.

    Other roles: Managing Director Shifting Mindsets, Chief People Officer.
    Watch Michelle's welcome video

       

      Mr Andrew Williams

       


      Mr Andrew Williams BBus
      Non-Executive Director

       

      Andrew is the Founder and Managing Director of Agility Consulting Group, a boutique leadership development consulting firm based in Melbourne. He has been an Adjunct Faculty at the Australia Graduate School of Management at the University of NSW for 14 years where he facilitates executive programs in adaptive leadership and leadership agility. He is also the author of Survive & Thrive: 120 Ideas to Cultivate Your Leadership Agility.

      He has extensive experience working with C Suite Executives, middle managers and senior teams particularly in the areas of leadership development, individual & team coaching and top team development. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his own senior corporate roles, his MBA, working internationally and understands the strategic and operational challenges and goals in running a business. Andrew’s impressive client list covers industries such as Banking & Finance, Government, Telecommunications, Energy, Retail, FMCG, Insurance, Construction, Professional Services and Media & Publishing.

      Other roles: Managing Director, Agility Consulting Group; Associate, Korn Ferry
      Watch Andrew's welcome video

       

      Joanna Weston

       

       

      Ms Joanna Weston BCom, MComm (current)
      Non-Executive Director & Ambassador

       
      Other roles: Professional Netballer, Australian Diamonds & Melbourne Vixens; Vice President, Australian Netball Players' Association; Board Member, Melbourne University Sport

       

      Angela McKay

       

       

      Ms Angela McKay BBAMgmtOps
      Non-Executive Director

       
      Drawing on over 20 years senior leadership experience with a background in business and operational effectiveness; marketing; people leadership and development, Angela works with founders and directors of not-for-profit organisations to solve problems and make a measurable impact. With a focus on supporting the start-up phase and establishing foundations for sustainable growth, Angela collaborates with stakeholders to develop strategy, operational models, community engagement, advocacy and funding.

      With a diverse background spanning not-for-profit and for profit organisations in the charity, professional services, consumer goods and aged care sectors, she brings skills centred around business growth, staff development, team building and driving customer orientation along with experience as a Non Executive Board Member and Vice Chair in the aged care and services sector.

      Angela is committed to fostering effective collaboration and teamwork to effect positive change in the way we think about and improve mental health outcomes through the workplace (and beyond).

      Other roles: CEO Juvenile Arthritis Foundation; former Vice Chair Southern Cross Care ACT/NSW; former COO Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
      Watch Angela's welcome video

       

        Advisors & supporters

        We give thanks and gratitude to the following clinical experts, business leaders and professionals who continue to provide their valuable time, wisdom and expertise to this project.

        Clinical advisor

        Dr Kim Hazendonk

         

         

        Dr Kim Hazendonk BBSc (Psych), Grad Dip Health Psych, DPsych (Neuro)

         

        Kim is a Clinical Neuropsychologist with over 20 years of international experience working in both public and private sectors. Her advanced understanding of the interplay of cognitions, emotions and behaviour has enabled her to assist clients leverage their strengths, build high performing teams and achieve positive organisational outcomes.

        Kim is particularly passionate about helping hard working professionals become more effective through great leadership and life/work balance.

        Kim has consulted to CEOs and senior executives with some of the region’s largest and most successful organisations across all major industries.

        Kim is a registered psychologist with qualifications including a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, a Graduate Diploma in Health Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology).

        Kim is the Founder & Principal of Positive Brain

         

        Strategic Industry Advisor

        Professor Jane Burns
         
         
         
        Prof Jane Burns PhD, GAICD 

         

         

        Jane is an industry and research leader and senior executive and industry experience. Jane leads large consortia and executive teams working at the nexus of research and development, industry and the social sector.

        Over her career she has attracted more than $200M of industry, government and philanthropic funds to drive new leadership in mental health reform with a major focus on new and emerging technologies.

        Jane is an international speaker on the topic of mental health; an experienced board director, and chair of the Federal Government’s National Advisory Council for Veterans Families’ Counselling. Jane was the CEO of the Young and Well CRC (2011 – 2017), and is acting CEO of the Well and Productive CRC.

        Other advisors & supporters

        • Ms Sheenagh Edwards (Partner, KPMG)
        • Ms Lesley Horsburgh (Chief Executive Officer, APSCo Australia)
        • Mr James Jarrett (Director, One Advisory)
        • Dr Jay Spence (Chief Product Officer, Uprise Heath)
        • The GREST Partnership

          Current volunteeer team

          • Adam Prince
          • Alanna Schulz
          • Andrew Lowe
          • Barry Robinson
          • Brittany McQueen
          • Burton Wu
          • Carlos Ocampo
          • Carolyn Stephens
          • Cheryl Vize
          • Cissy Shu
          • Dave Anderson
          • Deborah Lowndes
          • Denia Mariano
          • Dhanish Semar
          • Dirk Meyer
          • Domenic Cessarini
          • Emma Graham
          • Emma Rundle
          • Emma Sumner Smith
          • Gal Margalit
          • Galina Fidler
          • Hans Geffert
          • Huda Tantawy
          • Jonathon Burrows
          • Karina Strange
          • Katika Hovorka
          • Kim Perry
          • Kristy Ireland
          • Lauren Lawson
          • Lee Comley
          • Lidia Butalino
          • Louise Nealon
          • Luke Nayna
          • Mahmoud Pargoo
          • Malina Tran
          • Margaretha Margaretha
          • Mark Eldredge
          • Michael Narag
          • Mitchell Price
          • Nell Bond
          • Pamela Wheeler
          • Paul Dwyer
          • Priscila Valle
          • Renae King
          • Roz Meineke
          • Sally Rahmani
          • Sam Cook
          • Samantha Casey
          • Sarah Menz
          • Shaun Joyce
          • Seb Lear
          • Sophia Toh
          • Tallie Min
          • Tamanna Kibrea
          • Tanyika Fraser
          • Tiffany Jape
          • Tim Bull
          • Thomas Furlong
          • Tom King
          • Twina Au Yeung
          • Valentino Papasavva
          • Vincent Mammarella
          • Zarah Lingan

            Volunteering

            We have a vibrant and generous group of volunteers who make what we do possible. Would you like to volunteer with The United Project? If so, we would value hearing from you. Please use our contact form and share with us some information about your skills and background, and how much time you may have each week to support. Thank you. ♥